On March 19th, 2026, City of Fenton Water Plant Superintendent Stephen Guy was named Michigan Rural Water Association (MRWA) Person of the Year for 2026. MRWA is a non-profit organization that's mission is protecting public health by ensuring the provision of safe drinking water and compliance with federal and state rules, regulations, and standards.
Dan Brisson, City of Fenton DPW Director, nominated Guy based on his dedication to his work, involvement in the local community, and passion for water quality.
In his nomination, Brission writes, "When I learned of the opportunity to nominate an individual for MRWA Person of the Year, the person that came to mind was easy. Stephen Guy, a.k.a. “The Water Guy” is the City of Fenton Water Superintendent who oversees a 4MGD water treatment plant and a distribution system that serves over 4,000 water customers in Fenton’s seven square mile community.
Steve came to Fenton as a young teenager and graduated from Fenton High School. After graduating, he attended Lake Superior State University and earned an associate’s degree in water quality technology. Steve has spent his entire post college career in the water industry serving as a Distribution Operator, Assistant Water Treatment Plant Superintendent and five years in the private sector in water meter sales, service and installation.
In 2004, Steve joined the City of Fenton as the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent where he assisted in the start-up of the City’s brand-new full treatment water plant with a daily capacity of 4MGD. Steve was instrumental in personnel recruitment, training and fine tuning of daily operations and maintenance for this new facility.
Today, Steve serves as the Water Superintendent where he oversees plant operations as well as the distribution system. He actively leads the City’s Wellhead Protection Program and participates in many community events to bring awareness regarding drinking water quality, protecting the water supply, and its source. Steve actively works with Fenton Area Public Schools to educate students of all ages about the community’s public water supply. I consider it a real treat to attend one of his tours of the water treatment plant and the entire treatment process. A walking tour of the plant is well received and educational. Steve also partners with Fenton’s Ecology Club and has taken those students to the well field for them to learn more about ground water sources. He has also partnered with the Fenton High School video production team to film tours of the plant and provide educational material about the water treatment process.
Steve speaks water. One can easily see he is passionate about water and any public outreach opportunity
In an industry where recruitment of water operators is a challenge, Steve has recruited and trained several operators for both plant and distribution operations where Fenton’s water department staff have successfully obtained waterworks system operator licenses with EGLE.
Steve has served as a member of the AWWA Ground Water Committee and Government Affairs Council and assists other water treatment facilities with his broad experience in public water supply operations.
It is my honor to take this opportunity to recognize and nominate Steve, “The Water Guy”, Guy as a MRWA Person of the Year candidate, for his many years of excellence service to support and lead in the public water supply business."
During the awards ceremony, Guy was supported by some members of his Water Plant team, members of administration, representatives from City Council, and Mayor Sue Osborn. Please join the City of Fenton in congratulating Guy on this exceptional honor. Thank you, Stephen Guy, for your commitment to the quality of water in the City of Fenton.